The groups met at Seger Park, just blocks from the iconic Independence Hall, carrying powerful banners that read “Bombing Hospitals is a War Crime!” and “Remember Hospitals in Gaza Targeted by the IOF!” The banners listed names of hospitals destroyed by Israeli airstrikes over the course of the conflict, including Al-Awda Hospital, Al-Rantisi Specialized Pediatric Hospital, and the European Gaza Hospital.

Honoring Health Worker Martyrs

To honor those killed, rally organizers displayed a quilt of face masks with the names of martyred Palestinian health workers. A streamer of 500 patient ID bands, each with the name of a person killed in the conflict, served as a solemn reminder of the lives lost. Large printed photos of murdered Palestinian doctors and nurses were also carried by marchers. Many dressed in white lab coats and hospital gowns stained red with fake blood.

Speakers emphasized that along with the loss of life, Israel’s actions have decimated Gaza’s healthcare system. Hospitals lack essential supplies and infrastructure to adequately treat patients injured by missiles, sniper fire, and other weapons.

Philly Health Networks Complicit in Violence

Speakers also called out major Philadelphia health networks for enabling the violence in Gaza through their silence and connections to Israel. The rally specifically highlighted the University of Pennsylvania Health System and Thomas Jefferson University Hospitals for failing to condemn the destruction of Gaza’s hospitals and killing of their Palestinian colleagues.

Marchers Take to the Streets

After the initial speeches, protestors took to the streets, blocking traffic through downtown Philadelphia. Chanting loudly, the group passed historic landmarks and popular restaurants, drawing attention from passerby. Most onlookers were supportive, apart from a small group of counter-protestors who shouted slurs.

Stopping at Penn Medicine Hospital

The first major stop for protestors was a University of Pennsylvania hospital building. In front of the building, a nursing student and member of Philly Health Care Workers for Palestine gave an impassioned speech, invoking revolutionary leaders and unity.

Exposing Jefferson’s Ties to Israel’s Military

The march ended outside facilities belonging to Thomas Jefferson University. Specifically, marchers gathered at the Jefferson Israel Center, launched in 2018 through a $1 million commitment from the Israeli Innovation Authority. This organization provides funding and research partnerships for Israeli biotech startups and military technology.

Neither Penn Medicine nor Jefferson Health has spoken against the destruction of Gaza’s hospitals or killing of health workers, violating medical and nursing ethical standards.

Tribute to Martyred Colleagues

The rally concluded with a tribute to martyred Palestinian health workers. Marchers lay on the ground in front of the university health complex for 19.7 minutes – representing that a hospital is bombed or health worker attacked every 19.7 minutes. As participants held photos of Gazan colleagues killed in airstrikes, speeches told firsthand stories of the horrific situation facing hospitals. Leaflets provided details on damages sustained by Gaza’s healthcare system.

The protest closed with songs and chants pledging solidarity and support to the doctors, nurses, and patients of Gaza. I sincerely hope you find this “Philadelphia Health Workers Condemn Hospital Bombings-What Really Happened?” article helpful.

Skylar Lacey

Skylar Lacey, a Travel and Tourism Management graduate from Temple University, offers 5 years of experience in travel writing and airport logistics at PhiladelphiaAirport.net. Her expertise helps travelers make the most of their journeys through Philadelphia International Airport. Connect with her on Instagram for more travel tips and insights.

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